The final report from the Independent Water Commission has been published today, making several recommendations to overhaul the nation’s water infrastructure
The Independent Water Commission’s report shows that, while the water sector in the UK is holding for now, it is not likely to last long.
Issues include a lack of a systems-based approach, cross-sector collaboration with, for example, housing or town planning, and little long-term vision.
The Independent Water Commission makes big recommendations to transform the sector
The first recommendation is to establish a National Water Strategy. This strategy would take an integrated approach, setting targets and direction for the water system and its interdependencies as a whole.
This would include water supply, resources, drainage, wastewater, public health, recreation needs, flood risk, and the wider environment. It would also interact with other sectors such as agriculture, urban areas, etc.
The commission recommends that the UK and Wales have separate strategies, given the unique challenges in each country.
An integrated strategy would also reduce delays to water infrastructure planning.
The second recommendation is to streamline planning for water infrastructure by aligning it with regional development plans. This would strengthen construction pipeline certainty and reduce complexity for developers.
Furthermore, it is recommended that new statutory resilience standards be adopted for pipes, treatment works, and pumping stations to future-proof against the increasing likelihood of floods and droughts resulting from climate change.
This report also supports the improved mapping and assessment of underground assets, enhancing assurance within the workforce and supply chain.
“Bills will rise, but services need to improve”
Another aspect of the report supports the combination of several regulatory bodies into a single water regulator, combining Ofwat, DWI, and the Environment Agency, in order to speed up and simplify approvals, minimise regulatory conflicts, and obtain more infrastructure planning approvals.
All of this is good news for the construction industry, if adopted, as prioritising long-term water infrastructure investment will make delivery and pricing clearer, reducing planning delays.
In response to the Independent Water Commission’s final report, Sam Gould, director of policy and external affairs at the Institution of Civil Engineers, said: “The Institution of Civil Engineers welcomes the Water Commission’s comprehensive and unflinching report. Managing complex systems like our water networks requires a systems-based approach, long-term planning, and significant investment.
“The report acknowledges that bills will rise, but services need to improve as a consequence. This is essential for rebuilding public trust in the water industry.
“The commission’s report sets out practical reforms: from a new national strategy and regional planning authorities to a single regulator and a stronger focus on maintaining assets and adapting infrastructure for climate change.
“Addressing these complex issues is going to be a big job, and the ICE is ready to support efforts that turn these recommendations into meaningful change.”
